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Hey “Hamilton” Fans: Here’s a Novel about Aaron Burr’s Daughter. Happy Father’s Day, Aaron Burr!
So I just wanted to let you know that historical fiction about Theodosia Burr exists. Has existed for decades. Let me show you My Theodosia by Anya Seton. Yes, it has a copyright date of…
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“Take Me to the River”
So I took this photo at work today with my phone. I wanted to show everyone how last night’s rain made the Allegheny into the muddy, muddy Allegheny. I could write a blues…
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Today’s Lunch Hour
Today I watched the Pittsburgh Penguins victory parade from the 22nd floor of a building several blocks away. Through a telephoto camera lens. And a thick pane of glass. This is not the…
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On Being Duped by Religion (At the Three Rivers Arts Festival)
I work across the street from the Three Rivers Arts Festival. One morning during festival week a man walked up to me. A thin Caucasian man with brown hair. About my height. (I…
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The Time Capsule
Many old buildings are actually time capsules. The thing is, they often don’t reveal their secrets all at once. For example, our first contractor found this bottle when he dismantled our porch nearly…
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I Live in Their House
“Do you have family buried here?” I stood in front of a row of graves when I heard this. Such a logical question. But no. I have no actual family buried here, in…
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Our Old House Update #2: The Roof
Tonight I sat outside to watch the sunset and thought, “Did our cat get sprayed by Pepé Le Pew?” No, our cat did NOT get sprayed by a skunk, thank goodness. However, someone in…
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Our Old House: Update #1
This is the first of what I hope will be many updates (from me AND Jonathan) on the improvements to our 120+ -year-old house. I write this from a picnic table under a…
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Don’t Give Up the Lighthouse; Erie Land Light Part II
My father-in-law Dennis Woytek’s story began with Erie. All of Erie. The lake, of course. The rail yards. The “Public Dock,” as he still calls Dobbins Landing. And the Erie Land Light. We knew…